About Me

I am Burak Özturan, a PhD candidate in Network Science at Northeastern University, working under the supervision of Prof. David Lazer. My research lies at the intersection of network theory, computational social science, and political behavior, with a focus on understanding emerging social phenomena on digital platforms. I am particularly interested in how individual, social, and algorithmic preferences drive the spread of misinformation and polarization, shaping public discourse in complex ways.

Currently, my research explores digital segregation, investigating how different demographic groups consume information online and the consequences this has for the cohesion of democratic societies. I analyze how individual behaviors and algorithmic curation contribute to the formation of information silos and echo chambers, while also examining how information quality and user demographics evolve in response to significant shocks on social media platforms.

Driven by a passion for understanding the dynamics of online information flows and their impact on democracy, my work aims to bridge the gap between computational models and real-world social issues.

Beyond academia, I am actively involved in a startup launching educational AI tools designed to enhance learning experiences and increase access to personalized education. I have also consulted for organizations like the German Marshall Fund (GMF), where I provided expertise on how digital tools and information ecosystems influence public discourse and global policy. By combining research, entrepreneurship, and consulting, I strive to apply my academic insights to real-world challenges, driving impact across multiple sectors.